scuffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scuffle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical struggle or fight, often involving a brief and disorderly confrontation. Example: "The two players got into a scuffle on the field after the controversial call by the referee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waking in hospital after a particularly bad scuffle he found he could put a finger in a hole in his head.

The Guardian

Police were called and arrested an individual, leading to a scuffle.

The Guardian

And those who staid in bloody scuffle Knew not the great simplicity.

The Guardian - Books

"Bloody scuffle" abandons the idea of a worthwhile cause or a heroic fight, and the poem seems to end with the pointless continuation of belligerence for its own sake.

The Guardian - Books

Charrington, a philanthropist and moral crusader, filed a police complaint against the Fulham chairman for "grossly unnecessary violence" but, as noted in When the Whistle Blows by John Kemp and Andrew Riddoch, his grievance was not upheld once it was established that during the scuffle "his tall silk hat remained on his head, he did not lose possession of his cigar, and never lost foothold".

The Guardian - Sport

For instance, there is a scuffle around the TPP's rumored treatment of Digital Rights Management tools, which corporations use to limit access to digital devices – often to prevent piracy.

The Guardian - Business

According to the Versailles public prosecutor, after a scuffle things turned nasty and the woman's husband tried to strangle a policeman.

The Economist

In the worst scuffle, a policeman was badly hurt and six people detained.Mr Chen and his Taiwanese counterpart, Chiang Pin-kun, agreed they would negotiate ECFA at a summit in China in the first half of 2010.

The Economist

"On gas prices, John McCain's part of the problem," it retorted.The subject of the scuffle was no coincidence.

The Economist

Earlier this year Andries Tatane, a respected community leader in a black township in the Orange Free State, was shot dead after a scuffle with police during a march protesting against the lack of basic public services in the area.

The Economist

Those statistics have started to look rather less reassuring, however, since Abner Louima's brief but fateful stay at Brooklyn's 70th-precinct police station earlier this month.Mr Louima, a 30-year-old immigrant from Haiti, was arrested when he tried to intervene in a scuffle outside Club Rendez-vous, a Brooklyn nightclub.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scuffle" to describe a brief, disorderly fight or struggle. It's suitable when the conflict isn't a full-blown battle but more than a simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "scuffle" when describing serious or large-scale battles. "Scuffle" implies a relatively minor and localized physical conflict, while terms like "battle" or "war" are more appropriate for larger, more significant conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The word "scuffle" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a brief, disorderly fight. As a verb, it describes the act of engaging in such a fight. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scuffle" is a versatile term used to describe a brief and disorderly fight or struggle. Functioning as both a noun and a verb, it commonly appears in news reports, encyclopedias, and other various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in writing. Semantically related alternatives include "brawl", "tussle", and "fracas", each offering a slightly different nuance. A key writing tip is to ensure that "scuffle" isn't used to describe more serious or large-scale battles. Its frequent usage and wide applicability make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tussle

This word denotes a physical struggle or contest, similar to a "scuffle" but possibly less intense.

struggle

This word emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in a conflict or contest, physical or otherwise.

brawl

This alternative indicates a noisy and chaotic fight involving multiple people.

melee

This alternative describes a confused hand-to-hand fight or struggle among several people.

fracas

This term implies a noisy disturbance or quarrel, often less physical than a "scuffle".

clash

This term suggests a brief confrontation or conflict, either physical or ideological.

altercation

This alternative suggests a heated argument or disagreement, potentially leading to physical contact.

skirmish

This term refers to a brief and unplanned fight, often between opposing military forces or smaller groups.

quarrel

This alternative signifies an angry argument or disagreement, often prolonged and potentially escalating.

bicker

This word indicates a petty or trivial quarrel, typically involving verbal exchanges rather than physical contact.

FAQs

How can I use "scuffle" in a sentence?

You can use "scuffle" to describe a brief, disorderly fight. For example, "A "scuffle" broke out between the protesters and the police."

What are some alternatives to the word "scuffle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "brawl", "fracas", or "tussle".

Is "scuffle" a noun or a verb?

"Scuffle" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a brief fight. As a verb, it means to engage in a brief fight.

What is the difference between a "scuffle" and a "fight"?

A "scuffle" is generally a brief and less intense physical confrontation than a "fight", which can be more prolonged and serious.